Walkers Take To The Streets To Fight Suicide In Ventura County

Camarillo, CA (September 9, 2015) – Suicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States, yet suicide in many cases is preventable. September is National Suicide Prevention Month where nationwide events are being held to raise awareness for this public health issue. In Ventura County, hundreds of people are expected to participate in the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s annual Ventura County Out of the Darkness Walkto fight suicide on Saturday, September 19 at Constitution Park in Camarillo. The walk begins at 9AM and is expected to run until 11AM followed by a picnic. The money raised from this walk will be used for suicide prevention research and community suicide prevention programs. For more information on National Suicide Prevention Month, click here.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will be raising funds to support local and national programs and its bold goal to reduce the annual rate of suicide 20 percent by 2025.

The Ventura County Out of the Darkness Walk is one of more than 350 walks being held nationwide this fall. The walks are expected to unite more than 150,000 walkers and raise millions for suicide prevention efforts. Speakers at this year’s suicide walk with include Congresswomen Julia Brownley Councilwoman Jan McDonalds, Supervisor Kathy Long, a speaker who survived a suicide attempt, as well as family members who have lost loved ones to suicide.

“These walks are about turning hope into action,” said AFSP CEO Robert Gebbia. “Suicide is a serious problem, but it’s a problem we can solve. The research has shown us how to fight suicide, and if we keep up the fight the science is only going to get better, our culture will get smarter about mental health, and we’ll be able to save more people from dying from depression and other mental health conditions.”

Local sponsors for the Ventura County Out of the Darkness Walk include Signature Flight Support, Casa Pacifica, Freddie b Salon & Spa, Camarillo Hospice, Allied Building Products, New Image Roofing Inc. and Jenny Craig.

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About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention leads the fight against suicide. We fund research, offer educational programs, advocate for public policy, and support those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has 78 local chapters with programs and events nationwide. Review our Annual Report to learn more about AFSP’s life-saving work. Join the national conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.